50 Scholarships in China, studying in China🇨🇳 Tips & Harvard Resume Template
p.s. I did my Bachelor's degree in China!
Blurb: Today’s newsletter is coming from our Communication and Marketing Manager, Ruth Akpe. And she’d be sharing all things “study in China” from her personal experience of studying in the country.
But before we dig into all that, we’ve got exciting resources for you:
Here are 50 Scholarship opportunities you might want to explore in China.
Here are low cost universities across China for various degree programs.
Since talked about resumes in the previous newsletter, here’s a 21-page compilation of Harvard’s resume and cover letter guide.↗️
With those essential resources at the back burner, here’s Ruth, SFAN’s MarComm exec.
📚Vital Tips for African Students Looking to Study in China
Analysts say “the rate of growth of African students going to China for study abroad is said to have grown by 258% between 2011 and 2017, compared with a growth rate of 30% for the US and declines of minus-2% for France and minus-24% for the United Kingdom.”
Between 2016 and 2018 alone, the number of African students in China shot up from nearly 40,000 to around 60,000. In 2019, there were about 80,000 students from Africa studying in China.
Why China?
Despite the complicated Sino-Africa relationships, there are many wonderful things about China that make it a great study abroad destination for African students.
The first is their magnificent architectures, such as:
The Great Wall
Forbidden City
Circle of Life
Etc.
Second, China is a fast-changing mix of the ultra-modern and very ancient economy.
Look at the numbers:
China has big ambitions as well.
If you want to position yourself for the next phase of geopolitics, China is an ideal study destination.
Many programs are taught in English at Bachelors, Masters, PhD, and non-degree levels for int’l students. And subjects range from medicine to literature to engineering.
In Spite of COVID-19 restraints, Chinese universities are still admitting international students for program admissions.
But borders are partially opened to International Students.
So, if you wish to explore academic opportunities in China, please take note of the following:
🚦When Should You Apply to a Chinese University?
Usually there are two semesters:
Autumn, and
Spring.
But some Universities do three semesters.
Check with your program before applying.
A close look at the two semesters.
Autumn 🍂
Application starts in Feb or March to June. Students get admission feedback by July. Autumn semester usually starts in September.
Spring 🌼
Application begins in Oct; deadline in January. Applicants get feedback by the end of January.
Spring semester starts late February or early March. Make sure to submit application early as vacancies fill up quickly.
🧳Study In China Preps
Before you apply:
A: Translate ALL relevant docs into Chinese or English.
B: For language programs (i.e short term, long-term, intensive, summer etc).
You need:
Passport copy
Application form
Application fee.
For bachelors, masters, Ph.Ds or credit-earning exchange programs, docs often needed include:
Passport Scan Copy
Passport Size Photo
Academic Transcript And Certificate (must be notarized)
HSK certificate of proficiency in Chinese (if you own)
CV/Resume
Physical Examination
Police Report
Bank statement
Two recommendation letters (Ms/Ph.D.)
Study Plan/ Research Proposal (Ms/PhD
🛑Note:
Most Chinese taught degree-seeking programs require HSK-4 or above.
HSK-4, is the level 4 of Chinese Language Proficiency
There may be entrance examinations.
You may need to show English Language proficiency proof, if your program is taught in English, and you are not from a Chinese recognized English speaking country (the US, CAN, UK, AUS, NZ, SA, IRE).
🏡Accommodation, Living Expenses, & Visa Application
Universities provide accommodations for students.
There are many kinds of dormitories in universities, and the prices vary due to the furniture and facilities.
International students can apply for accommodations before arriving in China.
Cost of Living in China
For students who want to study and live on a budget, China is a great choice. And you won’t regret it.
Although, due to post COVID events, prices are rising. Yet the cost of living in China is still relatively low compared with most other developed countries.
For example:
Accommodation in Beijing is roughly RMB 2000-3000 RMB per month, which is 400-600 USD.
An average meal costs around 30-50 RMB (5-10 USD).
The subway has a flat rate of 2 RMB(0.30 USD), and buses within the city are even cheaper.
Smaller cities in China’s central and western regions are at a particularly reasonable rate.
Prices are lower in rural areas than in the cities. And local marketplaces are cheaper than recognizable Western businesses.
🛑Note:
As a young international student, you will stand out. So be careful of scams and artificially marked-up prices.
These turnouts quickly become recognizable though, and you will come to find the Chinese people are usually hospitable.
How to Apply for Visa to Study in China
Foreign students can apply for “X” visa or “F” visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General to study in China with the original documents, and prepare photocopies of each of these documents:
Visa Application for Study In China (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
Admission Notice.
Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
Valid ordinary passport.
International students must enter China with the original copies of the afore-mentioned documents.
Any student who enters China with a visa or passport other than their original documents will not be able to register to the university that granted them admission , nor will they be able to apply for residence in China.
X (study) visas are issued to those coming to China for study or an internship for a period of over 6 months.
Students entering China as a group will be granted a stay permit less than 6 months and they can apply for the F group visas ..
International students can apply for Residence Permit from the division of exit-entry administration of the local public security bureau within 30 days upon arrival in China.
👩🏿💻Programs and Scholarships
Tuition fee is generally paid on a yearly basis. Students on scholarship are eligible to receive financial assistance from their institutions.
There are many scholarships established, such as the:
Chinese Government Scholarships
Chinese Local Governments Scholarships
Confucius Institute
Foreign Governments,
Chinese Universities, and Corporations who are dedicated to encouraging and promoting educational exchange, etc.
Chinese universities provide about 1000 programs for international students. Most degree programs are taught in Chinese and therefore require a certain level of language proficiency (HSK) and these types also award scholarships to their students. However, English-Taught degree programs are increasing and also available.
50 Scholarship Opportunities to Explore 🚀
Bonus:
📑Can I Take a Part-time Job while Studying at College?
According to the Chinese laws, international students studying in China are not permitted to be employed while studying.
So self-funded, international students should make enough financial preparations before arriving in China.
But students can do a part-time job if their university gives them permission for a part-time job. Teaching English is one of the main job areas for foreigners in China. Students can also engage in business like:
Hair braiding;
Selling of local foodstuff to international students;
Selling food;
Mini importations;
Buying goods for relatives/contacts at home country;
Just to mention a few.
In closing, My experience studying in China was one full of personal growth and development.
I made lifelong friendships, profitable connections, and networks. And above all the ability to speak, read and write mandarin.
Zhù nǐ zài jiàoyù shìyè zhōng yīqiè shùnlì” 祝你在教育事业中一切顺利; I wish you the very best in your education endeavour!❤️
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